The CAN 2024 quarter-final between Mali and Ivory Coast ended in chaos. Ivory Coast had an emotional comeback from a losing position from the first half, but Mali players still believed that referee Mohamed Adel favored the home team.
The competition between Mali and Ivory Coast was tense right from the first half when referee Adel had to issue a total of 6 yellow cards. Mali had a chance to take the early lead in the 16th minute, but Adama Traore missed the penalty kick. After that, they continued to have the advantage when Ivory Coast midfielder Odilon Kossounou received a red card right before the first half ended.
With the advantage, Mali found the opening goal in the 71st minute thanks to Nene. However, they could not protect their result when Adingra equalized 1-1 for Ivory Coast in the 90th minute. Everything quickly became a “disaster” for Mali when they lost the second goal in the 120+2 minute. of extra time and were eliminated.
Ivory Coast hero Oumar Diakite received a second yellow card for taking off his shirt in celebration, but referee Adel blew the final whistle immediately afterward, when Mali won the right to take a corner kick. This made the Mali players angry and rushed to attack him.
Mali captain Hamari Traore almost went crazy when he continuously approached and criticized the referee even when he pushed him away. After the sides were separated, referee Adel showed Hamari Traore a red card and the defender once again attempted to attack him. Fortunately, the incident did not happen as other Mali players were able to stop Hamari Traore. Referee Adel was also escorted off the field by a member of the Mali coaching staff.
* The article title has been edited